Car Makes – Page 804 – Automobiles Review

2013 Ford EcoSport SUV shows confidant stance in China

2013 Ford EcoSport SUV achieved great furore at 2012 Auto China in Beijing. The car offers confidence and stance and great agility and fuel efficiency. In other words, this For SUV is the perfect vehicle for the city. The new EcoSport joins Ford’s family of small global vehicles.

In addition to this EcoSport is full of smart technologies and features.

The brand has included its newest and most advanced engine the 1.0-litre EcoBoost™, thank to which the fuel efficiency is exceptional. It also includes Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control. Additional innovative features are also included in a spacious and comfortable interior with new levels of craftsmanship.

The top-of-the-line model is EcoSport Titanium, which carries the distinctive paint of Mars Red. This version comes with 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.

The interior of the EcoSport delivers style and innovation, craftsmanship and quality. More importantly, the cabin is spacious enough for five people and their gear. This is possible because of the initial aim of the design, which is to deliver great of comfort and quiet operation for customers.

Some of the innovative technologies featured in the model are: Ford SYNC with voice control, Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start, and a cooled bin in the glovebox.

2013 EcoSport will also offer advanced safety items. For instance: dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program.

Of course, being a true ford, the SUV comes with an array of driver-assist features among which are the Hill Launch Assist, rear parking sensors, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency.

For has put highlight on fuel economy, drivability and performance. The aim set by Ford in the EcoSport’s development was to become the segment leader in fuel-efficiency. This was made possible thank to the all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine as well as the new 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol engine.

Additionally, EcoSport’s fuel economy is further enhanced by the availability of the innovative six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission. It combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a conventional automatic transmission.

Efficiency is achieved also through every aspect of the vehicle’s design. In fact, the SUV’s body was specially created in such way that it includes the use of high-strength steel and new designs to optimize weight and fuel efficiency.

Source: Ford

April 23, 2012

Jeep Wrangler “Dragon” Design Concept Revealed

Since the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition is already in motion, we better start off with something symbolic. That’s where the Jeep Wrangler “Dragon” design concept comes in. It’s based on the standard, Chinese spec Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, finished in black and garnished with bronze/gold motives which are strongly associated with the Chinese dragon.

The gold/bronze details play a center role in the whole design thing (front grille slats, headlamp surrounds, the engine cover etc) but by know, you must have noticed the dragon decal that starts on the hood and runs down the driver’s side of the cabin. “Supplementary” dragons can also be found on the underside of the hood where a carbon-fiber insulator is mounted. Then there’s the gloss-black spare tire cover which also glances you with a pair of dragon eyes. As round up features for the outside, the Jeep boasts a Mopar fuel-filler cap and an aftermarket LED lighting package that includes the headlamps, fog lamps, turn signals and taillights.

This particular Wrangler sits on 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels which are also black and have the same bronze/gold outer edge finish. They roll around humongous 35-inch off-road tires which are there to defend the dragon’s reputation – control over water, rain and winds in their severest form.

Inside, the seats are all black leather with gold/bronze piping and stitching. A laser etched dragon pattern adorns the face of the headrests. Leather, resembling the scales of a dragon, covers the outside edges of the seats and front center arm rest. The instrument panel bezels are in piano black while the steering wheel’s spokes have a bronze/gold accent. That is also true for the instrument cluster, passenger-side door dashboard grab handle and door handles. Finishing the interior modifications are the dragon tags on the front and rear floor mats.

At the heart of the dragon sits a Chrysler 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. That means 284 bhp and 347 Nm of mythical fury. Although down on the displacement (compared to the previous 3.8-liter engine), this one has over 40 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque. Also, mated to an automatic transmission normally found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Wrangler is more economical as well.

Source: Jeep

April 23, 2012

Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

It still is a concept, but production is foreseeable. It’s the Seat Ibiza Cupra ready to please the way only a hothatch can. Powerful, nimble and clever, this little imp has all the right acronyms – TSI, DSG and now XDS – an electronic differential lock.

A 1.4 TSI super/turbocharged engine under the hood packs a punch of around 180 hp and 250 Nm. With a set of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, one can make good use of that power which is delivered to the road by a seven-speed DSG transmission.

The Ibiza Cupra also has the looks to match the power. Angry looks that is. Seat have focused on the car’s face by adding a broad grille, sophisticated and pointy headlights and vast air intakes. The only thing that, to us, ruins the whole situation are those LED daytime running lights which surround the headlights, imprisoning them with redundancy. From the side we have a three-door profile – sharp and muscular with nice C-pillars. 17-inch wheels complement the dynamics while black exterior mirrors offer an aesthetic contrast to the mad yellow paint job of the body.

Jumping inside, we find a minimalist’s idea of paradise – a steering wheel with the shifters, four air-vents, a radio and that’s about it. Well, there’s more than that but take the entertainment system for an example – a 5-inch screen can be unplugged and taken home as a part of Seat’s Portable System – that means that in your pocket, you can have a navigation system, a hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer.

Currently, this little critter (that probably has rabies) is on a stand at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive show. One of the many that will most definitely leave an impression on you or atleast a smile.

Source: Seat

April 23, 2012

2012 Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept makes debut in Beijing

2012 Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept is the successor of the emblematic Beetle and it will be exhibited for the first time in Asia during Auto China in Beijing. There it will show how sportiness can also be transferred to a Beetle with pure electric drive.

The Concept vehicle is a two-seat Beetle speedster, 85 kW in power, and able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. The surprise here is that it is able to produce zero emissions.

To go further into details, the central electric module of this Volkswagen has an innovative design. It weighs just 80 kg. The electric motor produces energy which is stored in a lithium-ion battery whose modules are housed in a space-saving location behind the front seats.

The battery has an energy capacity of 28.3 kWh. In kilometers this means that the vehicle is able to cover the range of at least 180 km in the urban world.

In addition, Volkswagen has included its special quick charging function, thank to which the battery can be ‘refuelled’ within 35 minutes at suitable charging stations. Of course, this battery can be charged at the convenience of the home environment through a conventional electric outlet.

The interface for the charge cable is located behind the normal ‘fuel door’ near the C-pillar. Due to the new Combined Charging System it is possible now for the E-Bugster to be ‘filled up’ flexibly via one interface using any available charging modalities, such as single-phase charging with AC current or ultra-fast DC charging at charging stations (quick charge).

Exactly how much energy the driver is requesting with the ‘electric pedal’ can be observed in a power display. In addition, there are also featured instruments which include a driving range indicator and a display showing the current charge state of the battery.

Furthermore, there is also an instrument in the new Bugster, which shows the intensity of battery regeneration. What this means in short is that the regeneration actually is the recovery of braking energy. When the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal and/or brakes, kinetic energy is transformed into electricity, which in turn is collected in the battery.

This serves as a means to increase the driving range of the E-Bugster.

Furthermore, the 2012 Volkswagen E-Bugster is in fact a sports car. This is due to its height of less than 1,400 mm, which is about 90 mm less than that of the hard top Beetle. In details, the E-Bugster’s width (1,838 mm) grew by 30 mm, while its length (4,278) remained the same as that of the production car.

Another highlight here is that the E-Bugster has unique dynamic styling, due to a lot of new styling elements included in the model.

Looked from the front, it is the swept-back and wide windscreen that catches the eye. The E-Bugster’s glass extends to a point above the A-pillars.

In addition it includes LED headlights, highly customized, daytime running lights to the left and right of the central air intake as bands of LED lights in a C-shape. All these styling elements can be seen again in a transformed form as reflectors in the rear bumper.

The rear windscreen of the E-Bugster is extremely wide as well.

On the other hand a side view of the Bugster gives the observer the image of swept-back windows and a low roof. In addition, the designers lengthened the chrome strip of the lower window border towards the rear and it now runs once around the car, from A-pillar to A-pillar.

Moreover, this electrified Volkswagen runs on 20-inch ‘Twister’ wheels, which are equipped with 235/35 R 20 tyres.

What is left is of course the interior, which is spectacular. First of all it includes a combination of high-tech equipment. Secondly the dynamic performance reflected through the sport seats and a continuous centre tunnel in body colour.

The door handles and the belt guides are made of aluminium, and in addition to this the lightweight construction styling of the steering wheel also creates a direct connection between the exterior and interior.

Through the Start button, the driver not only activates the drive system but also puts a light show into motion. What happens is basically this: first, the interior is bathed in a white light, which eventually is substituted with blue light.

Next, it begins as a light pulse in the instrument cluster, from which the light emanates as a thin line of light. The latter is just one millimetre wide and courses into the door window sills and around the air nozzles.

Source: Volkswagen

April 21, 2012

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition brings even more luxury

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition is a model which Bentley Motors has produced in order to celebrate The Queen’s Birthday and her Diamond Jubilee year.

The model is designed with great precision, perfection and craftsmanship. From it will be produced only 60 examples.

What is very characteristic about these models is that they are distinguished by a range of exquisite, handcrafted features. For instance some of them bespoke embroidery to all four headrests with gold stitching, veneered picnic tables in the rear cabin decorated with a gold overlay depicting a royal carriage used for great occasions of state as well as luxurious, hide cushions featuring the same motif.

In addition to this these special models also include two beautiful, highly-polished stainless steel treadplate plaques featuring the famous ‘Bentley Mulliner, England’ script and ‘Diamond Jubilee Edition’.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition

Furthermore, the Diamond Jubilee Edition vehicles include a spectrum of paint and hide colours that set them apart from other Bentleys and which stylishly uses various combinations and shades of red, white and blue. Hand-applied Single Fine Lines with the same three colours can be seen on two distinctive Bentley ‘B’ badges positioned on each ‘D’ pillar.

In particular, Bentley Mulsanne incorporates the source of the Bentley marque. It shows elegance and yet it is sporty in heart. It delivers effortless performance, while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition Interior

2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition overview and features:

• Twin-turbocharged, 6.75 litre V8 engine

• Power: 512 PS / 505 bhp / 377 kW at 4200 rev/min

• Torque: 1020 Nm / 752 lb ft at 1750 rev/min

• 0-60 mph in 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3 s)

• 0-100 mph in 11.6 secs (0-160 km/h in 11.5 s)

• Max Speed: 184 mph (296 km/h)

• 21″ Classic Alloy Wheel

• Flying ‘B’ Radiator Mascot

• Jewel Fuel Filler Cap

• Bright Stainless Steel Matrix to Lower Bumper Apertures and Wing Vents

• Six paint options including – Beluga over Claret (duo tone), Black Sapphire, Claret, Pale Sapphire over Black Sapphire (duo tone), Pale Sapphire, White Sand

• Hand-applied fine lining

• Bentley ‘B’ badges on ‘D’ Pillar

• Burr Walnut Veneer

• Two Plain Hide Loose Cushions with ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Embroidery

• Diamond Quilted, Perforated Seat Inserts & Door Panels

• Lambswool Rugs (in addition to standard overmats)

• Veneered Gear Lever

• Veneered iPod Drawer & Minor Gauge Panel

• Diamond Jubilee Overlay to Fascia & Picnic Tables

• Ambient Interior Mood Lighting

• Rear Quarter Vanity Mirrors with Veneer Surround

• Drilled Alloy Sports Foot Pedals

• Seat Ventilation & Massage to Front & Rear Seats

• Rear Seat Entertainment Package

• ‘Naim For Bentley’ Premium Audio System

• Hide colours – Linen, Burgundy and French Navy

• Personalised Embroidery with Gold Thread

Source: Bentley

April 21, 2012

2012 Hyundai i20 Prices Announced

2012 Hyundai i20 debuted a more than a month ago at the Geneva Motor Show. And now Hyundai is announcing full pricing and specification for the new model. It will be available for purchase starting from 7th of May.

The new Hyundai i20 prices start from £9 995, which goes for the three-door 1.2 petrol Classic model. On the other hand the most expensive – 90ps (66 kW) 1.4 CRDi Style model costs £14 295.

What is new in the i20 is the enhanced interior, which includes new wheel designs plus a hexagonal front grille. Additional design changes to the front end feature new rounded front wings while the reshaped bonnet and headlights continue the theme along with new fog light clusters and daytime running lights.

Observed from behind, i20 has a redesigned rear bumper and taillights.

The interior of the Hyundai model is entirely made from high-quality materials, which deliver soft-touch plastics. It also includes a revised and classier centre consol along with updated seat trims.

2012 Hyundai i20 is available in three main trim levels: Classic, Active and Style. In each model is included broad list of standard specification featuring remote central locking, six air bags, air conditioning, ESP and, for the first time on i20, Vehicle Stability Management.

In addition to this the brand has added inside even more value with the feature of Active trim, which adds 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth with voice recognition, electric/heated door mirrors, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob and electric rear windows (five door bodystyle) when compared with Classic.

Thirdly, the range-topping Style comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rain sensing front wipers, climate control along with an automatic dimming rear view mirror with an integrated reversing camera.

There is also available the optional Convenience Pack, which encompasses keyless entry, engine Start/Stop button, chrome exterior door handles and supervision cluster.

Another important highlight is that the i20 range will feature the cleanest internal combustion diesel engine in terms of CO2 emissions with the 1.1-litre unit emitting just 84g/km.

In details the improved 1.2-litre petrol engine, is now cleaner, more efficient and more powerful than the model it replaces. The maximum output it creates is now 85 ps (67 kW). Additionally, it delivers improvements in fuel consumption estimated from 55.4mpg to 57.7mpg on the combined cycle, plus emissions reductions from 119g/km CO2 to 114g/km CO2.

All these facts make the 1.2 petrol engine one of the most efficient ones in the world.

Moreover, the 1.2-litre petrol i20 is now available in Style trim.

The Blue Variant of the i20 is powered by Hyundai’s ultra-efficient 1.1-litre “U-ll” three-cylinder diesel engine. The latter is combined with Intelligent Stop and Go and low rolling resistance tyres emits a mere 84g/km.

Source: Hyundai

April 21, 2012

2013 Acura ILX Base Price: $25,900

The 2013 Acura ILX will hit the showrooms in May 22 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $25,900. It sounds like a bargain and with three engine setups and two optional packages available there seems to be a great deal of flexibility as well

This 5-passenger, “windswept” saloon will offer a number of new and classy features such as Keyless Access System with smart entry and a start button. The Pandora internet radio is also an option and so is the SMS text message function. As standard equipment, the ILX comes with a power “moonroof”, aluminum wheels and Bluetooh HandsFreeLink.

The base model, the one that costs $25,900 gets 150 hp of power from a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Add to that a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic and you have e perfectly decent saloon. Those who think otherwise can then go for the 2.4-liter version ($29,200 with the Premium Package) – 201 hp and a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

For the first time on an ILX, there’s a petrol hybrid alternative as well. Starting at $28,900, the Acura ILX Hybrid uses a 1.5 liter engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric unit. The power goest trough a Continously Variable Transmission (CVT). As expected, this is the most economical of the bunch with an EPE estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 39/38/38 mpg. (strangely constant no matter the environment).

Regardless of trim or setup, the Acura ILX gets front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). It’s worth noting that the car’s body features the company’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) structure so it should do well on carsh tests.

The Premium Package is the mid-range stuff ($3,300, not available on the Hybrid) – leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation for a reduced cabin noise.

The Technology Package is an extension of the Premium one which adds an ELS Surround audio system, AccuraLink Satellite Communication System, a sat nav and all kinds of technology bits that sound too complicated for a mortal to understand them.

The company’s state-of-the-art plant at Greensburg, Indiana will have the noble task to assemble the 2013 Acura ILX. It’s an award winning establishment, being one of three plants in the world honored with a J.D Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality. Well done!

Here’s a quick list of all the setups and prices:

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA**
ILX	$25,900	24/35/28
ILX with Premium Package	$29,200	24/35/28
ILX with Technology Package	$31,400	24/35/28
ILX 2.4 L with Premium Package	$29,200	22/31/25
ILX Hybrid	$28,900	39/38/38
ILX Hybrid with Technology Package	$34,400	39/38/38

Source: Acura

April 20, 2012

Lamborghini Urus Crossover SUV at Auto China 2012

Lamborghini will exhibit the interesting Urus Crossover SUV at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing, next week. The ultimate crossover will be probably powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 592HP (435 kW), but nothing is mentioned for now.

However, several pictures has been published by autoforum.cz and as we can see, the Urus is astonishing. The design reminds the Aventador J, but with serious clearance and sloping roof. Most of the manufacturers chase the coupe-like profile for their SUVs and Lamborghini is not an exception.

The interior is typical for the new Lamborghini models. It comes with futuristic elements, nice and expensive materials and a lot of gadgets to play with.

Still, this is not the first try of Lamborghini to create an SUV. The LM002 was presented in the late 1980s, but it didn’t have any success, because first – it looked ridiculous and second – the price was ridiculous, too. However, the new Urus is expected to have far greater success, but only the time will show.

Stay tuned for more information about the Urus.

Source: autoforum.cz

April 20, 2012

Citroen at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show

Citroen Numro 9 Concept
Much like Ferrari, this year Citroen are also marking their second decade of presence on the Chinese market. Seemingly, the best way to celebrate that fact is to strive for a terrific appearance at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. We are looking forward to seeing, among many, the restyled C-Quatre three-box, the C4 Aircross there. The people at China should be excited about the planned launch of the DS line at and pretty much everyone should be thrilled to see the Numero 9 concept car.

The carmaker’s first Chinese joint venture is known as Dong Feng Citroen. For 20 years now, they have established 360 dealerships across the country, produced and sold 1.6 million cars and just last year, set a new invoicing record with nearly 220,000 sales.

Here’s what to look out for:

The C-Quatre family three-box model which has been restyled for the 2012 range
The Citroen C5 which has been most fruitful in China since its launch there in 2010
The Citroen C4 Aircross – a new compact SUV that’s been around in Europe end set to appear on the Chinese market in May
The Citroen C-Zero is the company’s electric city car. This one will be passing trough China this summer as a part of its own Electric Odyssey – an around-the-world tour with zero emissions left behind. The journey is already in motion as, the C-Zero left France on the 11th of February.

Other highlights include the Citroen Tubik concept car and a C-Quatre VTS – an “athletic” concept car based on the former mentioned, new three-box C-Quatre.

Citroen did make a debut of the DS5 last year at the Shanghai Motor Show. This year, with the help of Changan (Citroen’s second joint venture since last November) the DS4 and DS5 will be launched by the end of June. Shortly after that the DS3 is also expected to appear, while local production of the DS5 is set for 2013

During the time between June and December this year, Citroen and Changan in tend to open 24 DS dealerships. Added to the already existing 9, the Chinese market will end up with 33 before 2013 strikes.

At Beijing, the three DS line models will be presented on a stand in different versions – the DS 5 Hybrid4, the DS3 Racing. The DS3 WRC etc. There’s even going to be a Citroen DS 23 as a blast from the past.

Last but not least, the world debut of the Numero 9 concept car is pretty much bound to astonish the show’s attenders. To contrast the DS 23, this one points to the future of the DS range and bares the eventual genetic code of the following DS vehicles.

Source: Citroen

April 20, 2012

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler now enhanced with sport seats

kahnjeepsportseatsTHUMB 2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler is an exceptional tuning, made by Kahn Design tuning company, as we all remember. Now this project is going to be further expanded by the British tuners.

In order to stay true to the philosophy it incorporates, the tuning company decided to give the Wrangler not only external and mechanical perfection, but also took responsibility for the interior of the vehicle.

As a consequence of this aim, an innovative set of Kahn sport seats for the Wrangler Jeep was born.

In details, they are available not only one variant, but in wide range of fabrics, trims and colors. Undoubtedly, these seats can make the perfect solution for people who are looking for style and comfort.

Given this wide range of outstanding designs and excessive build quality, now anyone who has a Wrangler, will have the opportunity to be unique. In particular, the seats are completed with great flexibility with built in reclining mechanisms. They can also be utilized with original seat belts.

2012 Kahn Jeep Wrangler with new sport seats — Kahn Jeep Wrangler with new sport seats (2012)

Source: Kahn Design

April 20, 2012

2012 SR Fisker Karma ES – the debut of the White Knight

2012 SR Fisker Karma ES White Knight is an exceptional enhancement of the ECO innovative and revolutionary vehicle Fisker Karma.

When this inspirational luxury vehicle first appeared it made a furore in the hearts of many. It has also opened a whole new realm in the automotive world.

What it basically did is to combine in the same sentence the words hybrid and super car. No one before its appearance could imagine that hybrid technologies could be successfully applied to the super vehicles, and still deliver exceptional performance.

What the tuners from SR Auto Group done on this outstanding luxury car is to give it new super car set of wheels. Of course, the wheels were delivered by PUR Wheels.

The SR Auto Group professionals have selected a set of PUR 2WO’s in a twenty-two inch fitment. However, they didn’t apply to them the standard black or silver finish just. In fact, the faces were machined down to their raw aluminum core and sealed with a clear coating.

In addition to that, the inserts were color matched with the exterior to create a flawless design that is completely tailored to the Fisker vehicle.

Source: SR Auto Group

April 20, 2012

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan Competing at Nuerburgring

Lexus LFA Supercar and Lexus IS F Performance Sedan are going to compete at Nuerburgring 24 Hour Racing. The Race will take place from 17th till 20th of May.

This is not the first appearance of Lexus in this race but in fact – the sixth one.

The 2012 Lexus LFA Sportscar comes equipped with especially developed for the event Nuerburgring Package and will take class honours in shakedown event. Both vehicles will compete in the SP8 class. In this class only naturally-aspirated engines are allowed to join the competition.

This model is unmatched in its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality.

As a basis for this model are used the speed and handling of the Lexus LFA. Nevertheless the Nürburgring Package adds further a number of elements which enhance the downforce for sharper circuit performance.

More importantly, the car is equipped with the 4.8-litre V10 engine, form which it draws maxim power of 562bhp (420kW). This means that the LFA accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7-second. The tops speed is 202 mph (325 km/h).

Recently the LFA model achieved great success at the German VLN2 series three-and-a-half hour endurance race. In fact, it was head of the Ferrari 458 Italia and Aston Martin Vantage.

The Lexus IS F performance sedan will be driven by Gran Turismo 5 creator Kazunori Yamauchi.

Source: Lexus

April 20, 2012

Category: Car Makes